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Open Gates and Communal Spaces Enhance Connection to Nature

Authors:
Slimane Ouahes, Wing Chow
Open Gates and Communal Spaces Enhance Connection to Nature
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With open gates leading to communal spaces and direct access to nature, the design fosters social interaction and connection among residents in a harmonious living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Main Gathering Area serves as the central hub for communal activities.
02
Kitchen/Eating Area encourages collaborative cooking and shared meals.
03
Integrated Courtyard links indoor and outdoor living spaces.
04
Direct access to a nearby pond fosters connection to nature.
05
Open gates symbolize inclusivity and community engagement.

The Spirala Community Home is a well-thought-out design that focuses on communal living and individual well-being. It is located in a peaceful setting that encourages a connection with nature. The overall design concept reflects its core idea of openness, as expressed by the phrase "OPEN GATES AS WELCOMING ARMS." The aim is to create a friendly atmosphere where residents can engage with each other, fostering social ties and emotional support.

Main Gathering Area
- The heart of the home is the Main Gathering Area, which acts as a central hub for community activities. This spacious zone is designed for a variety of gatherings and provides a welcoming environment for residents to come together. The layout encourages movement and interaction, helping people connect and build relationships within the community.

Kitchen/Eating Area
- Close to the Main Gathering Area is the Kitchen/Eating Area, which is intended to support shared dining experiences. This design choice emphasizes the importance of meals and cooking together, which can strengthen social bonds. The space is accessible and inviting, promoting collaboration in cooking and dining, enriching the overall community experience.

Courtyard and Natural Access
- The design incorporates a Courtyard that links the indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a place for relaxation and social interaction. This outdoor area complements the interior and provides access to nature. The project also includes Main Access to the Pond, allowing residents to enjoy the peaceful natural landscape. This connection to the outdoors enhances the sense of tranquility and well-being within the community.

The overall focus on welcoming and accessible spaces highlights a commitment to encouraging social interaction and community ties. Each element of the design plays a role in creating a supportive living environment that prioritizes both community activities and individual comfort. A notable design feature is the careful arrangement of landscaping elements, which connect the built structure with its natural surroundings, enhancing the experience for residents.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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